Ford Philippines completes its 2009 line-up of North American models with the release of the new 2009 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition. The 2009 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer joins the newly launched 2009 Ford Expedition EL and 2009 E-150 Club Wagon in Ford showrooms nationwide in April.

The luxurious and nimble SUV boasts the same creature comforts that consumers have come to expect from the Explorer such as a cabin wrapped in leather, adjustable driver and passenger seats, the Dual Zone Electronic Temperature Control that maintains individual temperature settings for the driver and passenger, Audiophile 6-CD in dash CD system with MP3 capability, 6 speakers and a heart-thumping subwoofer. A supplementary DVD Entertainment System allows rear passengers to watch movies and play video games, while enjoying their comfortable ride.

Ford further enhances the driving experience with the all-new Power Adjustable Accelerator and Brake Pedals with a built-in memory which allows Explorer drivers to adjust the pedals within a 3-inch driving range for optimal driving comfort. The rear view mirror also gets a facelift and now comes with an electro-chromic dimming feature which adjusts itself according to prevailing light conditions, thereby eliminating the discomfort resulting from headlight glare.

Passengers sitting in the often-neglected third row seats also receive a new welcomed comfort from PowerFoldTM third row seats. "The Ford Explorer has been the benchmark SUV for capability, safety and luxury for more than two decades and we are delighted that, once again, we are bringing to the Filipino customer the best of our products," said Rick Baker, president of Ford Group President.

Another first is Ford's patented EasyFuelTM Capless Fuel-Filler System of spring-loaded tabs that pull back a flap in the filler neck when the pump nozzle is inserted and automatically seals shut when nozzle is taken out. The system eliminates gas odors and reduces evaporative emissions that contribute to global warming.

Exemplifying Ford's authentic SUV heritage of quality, performance, luxury and safety, the 2009 Ford Explorer received further enhancements of its proven stability control system with the addition of Trailer Sway Control. Trailer Sway Control joins an already impressive list of standard safety features including industry-exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control). Trailer Sway Control works in conjunction with AdvanceTrac with RSC to determine from the yaw motion of the vehicle if the trailer is swaying and take measures – such as applying precise braking or reduced engine torque – to bring both vehicle and trailer under control.

AdvanceTrac with RSC delivers a level of performance that competitive stability control systems cannot match. Unlike competitor systems, AdvanceTrac® with RSC® utilizes a second gyroscopic roll rate sensor to determine the vehicle's body roll angle and roll rate. If the unique roll rate sensor detects a significant roll angle, the system applies additional counter measures- such as applying brakes to one or more wheels or reducing engine power - to enhance vehicle rollover resistance. "Ford is committed to continuing to develop features and technologies that help make the driving experience easier and safer," Rick Baker added.

In addition to AdvanceTrac with RSC and Trailer Sway Control, Explorer offers a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including:

1.Safety Canopy™, Ford's exclusive side impact protection system, featuring side curtain air bags that help protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollovers and side impact crashes. The curtains are designed to slip between the occupant and the side window. The Safety Canopy is designed to stay inflated for several seconds, as rollover crashes often last much longer than side impact crashes.

2.Ford's Belt-Minder®, a safety belt reminder technology for the driver and front passenger that takes over after the initial safety belt reminder stops chiming. If the driver or front passenger remains unbuckled, the system chimes and flashes a warning lamp for six seconds every 30 seconds for five minutes or until the driver buckles up, whichever comes first.

3.Intelligent Safety System™, a suite of advanced adaptive technologies working together as a system to help protect occupants, including dual-stage front air bags and occupant classification.

The Eddie Bauer edition also gives Ford Explorer customers a vehicle that is inspired by the great outdoors while also reflecting their casual, versatile lifestyles. They want a vehicle that can take them anywhere they want to go, in style - whether it's a weekend of backpacking or an evening at the ballet.

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